increased the stress and wear and tear on a building. For many, the material conditions did not improve, and the high density remained a key characteristic of the neighborhood. 172 The redevelopment efforts comprised two distinct projects in the Fourth Ward: the Butler Street and the Buttermilk Bottom projects. The Butler Street Redevelopment Area was 76.6 acres, included 1871 families and 1438 “substandard” buildings to be demolished, would be razed first mainly because the size of the project area fit the budget allocated for the project. 173 In preparation for urban renewal, the building stock in the projected area was categorized into one of three ratings: "standard," "substandard," and "dilapidated." The assessment process involved a detailed survey led by city planners and facilitated by Harland Bartholomew. Their findings indicated that the area contained a mix of housing conditions, with plans to demolish dilapidated structures and repair substandard ones. Property owners were given options to either sell their properties or undertake repairs based on the assessment ratings. 174 The Buttermilk Bottom Redevelopment Area held 1409 dwellings and a citizen-led committed headed by realtor Jack Adair and site-selection subcommittee led by banker Jack Glen, determined Buttermilk Bottom as the ideal site out of 11 other locations, for the proposed Civic Center. 175 Strong support encircled Auburn Avenue and the $80 million invested in local businesses, which was expected to generate high tax revenue to the city and support the neighborhood. 176 The Butler Street Project covered 177 acres, and the highway construction divided the neighborhood into two segments. The section west of the expressway and closest to the central business district plan was designated for two new residential neighborhoods. 177 In contrast, the larger eastern section, which bisected Auburn Avenue, was slated for clearance and rehabilitation. 178 In response to the decision, business leaders J.A. Alston, J.H. Calhoun, and R. Cochrane, Executive Secretary at Butler Street YMCA, characterized Buttermilk Bottom as the "worst" slums and “a disgrace to any city” and Cochrane went on to say that "Buttermilk Bottom is a disgrace to any city" these comments show little opposition to the demolition. 179 These leaders were most concerned with displaced residents having the for the ‘right to return’ to the community and being priced out of the area. 180 The ‘right of return’ was not established until 19XX and a spokesman from the Atlanta City Urban Renewal Committee substantiated the displaced residents had ‘right to return’ by the 172 Wood, “The Bedford Pine Neighborhood.” p. 11. 173 Eddie Williams, “Butler Street Redevelopment Project Brings Questions,” Atlanta Daily World ”. 174 Williams, “Butler Street Redevelopment Project.” 175 Raleigh Bryans, “Advisors Propose Auditorium Site.”, The Atlanta Journal, November 29, 1963. Letter to Mr. Milton, Auditorium Committee from the Urban League, The Atlanta Urban League Collection, Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library and Archives Research Center. 176 John Britton, “Butler Street Plan Approved with Some Cautions: Saving Auburn Avenue, Good Price, Parks are Sought”. 177 “ Butler Renewal Project Area”, Atlanta Daily World, March 23, 1968? 178 “ Butler Renewal Project Area”.
179 Williams, “Butler St Redevelopment.” 180 Williams, “Butler St Redevelopment.”
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